Liquid-fuel btjrnek



F. sfu/ENS. -LIOLIID FUEL BURNER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY I7,` 1918.

Patented Dec. 23,1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEET'I F, STEVENS. LIQUIDl FUEL' BURNER.

'2 SHEETSLSHEET 2.

\ l-IZB. LZ

l :y IM/ENTER y I .....fw l Mmmm arena FRANK STEVENS, or PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA..

LIQUID-FUEL BURNER.

Application filed May I'l',

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, FRANK-S'I'EvENS, a citizen of the `United States, residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Liquid-Fuel Burners, of which the following is a specification. y

My invention relates 'to burners adapted for the combustion of .the heavy oils or hydro-carbone, as for example crude petroleum and the principal objects thereof are to l afford etlicient means for breaking up or atomizing and vaporizing the f uel,`to direct thereinto a powerful draft of air to support substantially perfect \-comb`ustion and to charge air drafts witlrchemical substances in vapor form, as forexample water vapor.

I attainthese objects in the apparatus described in the following specification andy shown in the accompanying(drawings, in wlncli-` Figure 1 1s a vertical section of the complete apparatus withcertain parts broken away to facilitate explanation; Fig. 2, a vertical vdetail section view showingthe angular relations of the air-jets and pockets; Fig. 3, a similar view of the same in a different position; Fig. el, a detail plan view of the same` showing' the nozzle in section; and, Fig'. 5, a plan view of the rotatable bed plate.

Similar index characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Broadly speaking my invention, as shown herein embodied, consists in the following major parts gl QA fou. tain or fuel supply, A, located above and concentric with a rotatable bedplnte, B;

A tank, ll, to contain'a chemical com i ponent and positionech' with relation Vto the means for supply'in'ga ,atmospheric air, to in tei-pose hroad surface of this con'iponent into contact with the influx of air'caused by the fan; Kr,

A-rotatahle drive-wheel; (l, fast to the shaftcarrying the fan l) and disk or bed` plate B, and provided with air-pockets. annularly disposed. adjacent to its circumference5 Patented Dec. 213, figlia. i918. seria messen.

' A central tubular drive shaft, J, to which the drive-wheel or disk G, the fan D and the` bed-plate B are fast;

A vertical, rigid fuel supply pipe, C, within said tubular shaf and supporting the fountain A; and,

AA suitable housing inclu/ding means for Controlling the admission of tm'ospheric air.

An examination of the views will disclose the fact that the 'general combination and arrangement of these elements affordsim# plicity of operation, perfect, accessibility, yand ready control over the forces employed.

The relationship between the inclined. walls of the air-pockets and the inclination of the nozzles, as well as the form thereof, will be referred to in the following detailed description of the construction and operation. l

For the purposes of illustrating my invention I have shown in the accompanying views and herein described the form thereof at present 4preferred by me, although it is to be understood that the various instrunnnitalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized, and f that lmy invention is not to be limited to 'tlie precise arrangement. and organiz-ation herein shown and described, and that I hereby reserve the right to reorganize and rei-arrange,

fountain A near the open top of the upper casingf N, rilhe bearing L, tlnough the a-Xis of which this pipe must extend, is centrally secured to the base lvl. ln this bearing is fitted to rotate the lower extremity of a tubular drive shaft, J, which has also a suitablesecondary" and guide bearing, 2, herein shown as an integral part. of the casing N. This shaft terminates attire top the rota table bed-plate C, which is suitably secured thereto, as by a set screw, 3, and, being hollow, serves as a channel through which the supply pipe C connects with its fountainA. Of course, there is no contact anywhere between the rotatable tubular' shaft and this insheathed pipe, which stand lrigid and immovable in the vertical axis of the ap aratus. Also secured, as at 4, to the sha t J and immediately beneath the plate B, is the fan or blower D which is in consequencel any suitable compressor and automatic con-V trol mechanism, the particulars and operation of which are so well understood as to require neither explanation nor illustration.

Extendingl from the reservoir I are the jet-forming nozzles H, adapted to cause expanding air jets to enter into and impinge upon the substantially vertical walls of the pockets 5, which are arranged in a' series neai thecircumference of'the driving disk G. These jet-formels may be as numerous as desired, two are here shown diametrically opposite each other. The number of pockets is also optional judgment being used to P. Thus, power as required employ a number thereof so related to the number of nozzles that there may be no dead point at starting. That is, the relation between the positions of' the nozzles and the pockets is such that, no matter Where the drive disk Gr may happen to come to rest, there will be, at least, one pocket in favorable re-starting relation with a nozzle, as shown in Fig. 2. The disk G, being the motor, is secured to the drive shaft C, as by set screw 6. It is clear that by the use of thecock O, which may be located at any convenient point in the compressed air systein, the pressure within the chamber or reservoir, I, may be controlled and maintained as desired, and indicated by a gage to afford any desired speed of rotation of the shaft J and its appurtenances may be supplied controlled and maintained.

The base-plate B, except within a small circulai"space at the center and a narrow zone adjacent to the circumference 'is provided with numerous perforations, either in the form of holes 7. or radial slits 8. Adjacent to each such orifice and, with relation to the direction of rotation of the plate, at the rear thereof. is formed a vertically extending wing or iin. The effect of this conformation of the upper surface 'of the plate B i: to prod-ucc suitablecontact, and bring about a thorough mixing, of the air-blasts through the orifices with thev fuel supplied from able damping means.

above by thel fountain A, when the disk is revolved with speed relations suitable to the quantity and character of the fuel employed. The combustion chamber is thus formed by thisrotatable disk or plate, B and the circular wall of the casing N, the upper stretch of which is flared, as shown at 10.

Formed in the casing is container E to. afford the water moisture ci other chemical factor desired'to be introduced. It is' annularin form, having an inner concentric wall, 19, to provide accommodation for the free rotating space kot the central drive shaft J. Also formed in the casing N, just above and extending around the tank, yis Ia series of large openings R, to afford a copious supply of -atmos heric air, which, tlirou lh the action Iof t e blower, is drawn into t e casing from all sides. ThisI formation is alsodesigned with a view of directing the incoming air into such proximity wih the combustion-chamber-that its temperature will be raised to aid they-aga Orization'of the contents of the contain t herefore, adjacent to these openings, ecured to and surrounding the casing, and acting as a funnel F, is' the flared member S, adapted to form a channel that will direct the air iinm'ediately about the exterior ofthe combustion chamber where itlis so greatly heated immediately before being drawn into such intimate andl direct contact -with a .broad cover composed of several independently movable sections, T, so as to afford adjust- There is a supply pipe, 11, a cock, l2, and an adjustable overflow, 13, for the container, so that any desired depth, or height of fluid may be maintained and any escape or 'dripping of" the fuel finding 'lodgment on the si rface may be carried away. The overflow attadlied to a support, 14, adj ustably connected to the casing N as at 15 on meniber S. It is also provided with the flexible drain tube, 16, to permit of adjustment.

Referring to Fig. il: it. will be observed that the air-jet channel 17' is substantially trapezoidal in forni, with tlie narrowside side at the exit for the air. This figure is so proportioned as to produce a jet exactly equal in scope to the width of the inverted pockets, 5, at their `reatest depth. From Figs. 2 and 3, it is 4seen that the angle of the hypotenuse of each pocket corresponds precisely with the angle of the direction of force of each air-jet. l have found that the most eificient angle, with relation to speed at any given pressure, lies between 15 and 25.

Encircling the casing N. above. the large openings R is lfll@ movable circular band U, adapted to be raised and lowered land set at various heights so as to regulate the openings and thus guide the inflowing air to the surface of the chemical at various heights in the container El. lVhen placed asirequired by existing conditions, tliisgband is secured, as by set screws, 18. This construction, in conjunction with drain-level control, affords the user great latitude in regulating the space between the blower and the chemical, as well as in directing the inin preventing or removing carbon deposit,

in the usevvith certain fuels. However, my invention is designed to be effective in any case, irrespective of the precise character of the chemical employed.

llie operation and action of my invention is as follows: The fuel supply cool; being opened, the oil from the fountain is ignited.

After a brief interval of time, the air-valveA (l is opened whereupon the fan and the per- .forated base-plate B start to rotate. The

character of the fire produced Will under any given of conditions, vary with the character of the fuel. It is then merely a question of regulating the several instriunentalities `inst described until the combination of conditions affording perfect combustion is attained. Experience With'varying grades and qualities of fuel, and the quantity of consumption, must deterniineithe speed factor, the vapor factor and the air factor. vll'hatever these arious con'ibinations may be found to be. once known to the operator, they .may be produced by the appropriate 'manipulation of the control means above explained.

' lP or exam ile. the rate of consum )tion necessary for the result to be attained and the character of the fuel being'ltnoivn, the airgage l), indicating t ie pressure, will be held at the proper mark to produce the speed desired for the blower and perforated plate, the daniper-covers T. will he set to supply the required volume of air, the proximity of the chemical contents of the container' to thebloiver regulated and fixed by the adjustment of cock l2 and overflow 13, and

the atmospheric air flow, further regulated and the direction thereof, with relation to the chemical in the container. by the ad! justinent of the band ll. lt is, therefore, obvious that wlmtever combination of factors may be best adapted to thezcoiiiplete combustion, at any desired rate, of any given fuel, ideal conditions in this respect may be reached through the instruiiientalities herein, assembled.

Having' thus described and illustrated one forni of apparatus embodying' my invention. l claiinl. In a device of the character described, in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated platerotatable thereabout, a draft creating;` fan, means to interpose a chemical substance in the draft thereby produced, means to regulate and control the volume of said draft and means to rotate said plate and said fan.

ln a device of, the cha acter described, in combination` a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatablethereabout, a draft creating' fan', means to interpose a chemical fluid in the draft thereby created, means to regulate the proximity of said fluid to said fan, means to regulate and control the volume of said draft and means to rotate said plato and said fan. 'i

3. ln a device of the character described. in combination, a fuel fountain, a peiforatec'l plate rotatable thereabout, a draft.creatingfan, means to interpose a chemical iii the draft thereby produced, means to'alter the position of ythe chemical with relation to said draft and means 'to rotate said plate and said fan.

l. lna device of the character desnribed, in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatable thercabout, artificial draft creating' means, means to interposc a chemical substance in the draft thereby produced, means to variously alter and restrict the area of contact. of said draft ivith said .chemical and means to rotate said plate.

ln a device of the character described, in combination, a fuel fountain, a periforated plate rotatable thereabout, artificial draft creatine" means, means to interiiose a chemical in the draftjthereby ifbroduccd,

means to .ren'ulatc and control the vouiiic of l said draft` means to variously alterthe posi- -tion ofthe chemical with relation to tho draft and nicans'to rotate said plate.

6. ln a device of the character described. in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforai'cal plate rotatable thereabout, artificial draft creatinel means, means to interpose a chemical in the draft thereby produced, means to regulate and control the volume of. said draft, means to variously alter and restrict the area of contact of said draft with said chemical and means to rotate said plate.

7. lfn a device of the character described, in coiiibination, a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatable thereabout, artificial draft creating' means, means to interpose a chemical in the draft thereby produced, means to regulate and` control the volume of said draft, means. to variously alter and rcstrict the area of. contact of said chemical with said draft, means to alter the position of said di'aft with relation to said chemical and. means to rotate said plate.

8. In a device of the character described,

in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatable thereabout, a draft creating fan, means to interpose a chemical substance in the draft'created thereby, means to regulate and control the volume of said draft, means to alter and restrict the area of contact of said draft with said chemical, means to alter the proximity of said chemical to said fan and means to rotate said plate and said fan. A

9. In a device of the charactei' described, inv combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatable thereabout, means for creating artificial draft, air channels leading to said means and including' a container for chemical matter, means for maintaining various constant levels for chemicals therein altering the position of said container with relation to said draft-creating means, and means to rotate said plate and to operate said draft-creating means.

10. In a. device of the character described, in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatable tliereabout, moans for creating artificial draft, air passages, including a retainer for chemical matter, leadingr to said means, means to regulate and control the volume of said artificial draft and ineans to rotate said perforated plateand to operate said draft creating means.

11. In a device of the character described, in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatable thereabout, meansfor creat- ,ing artificial draft, air passages, including' a container for chemical matter, leading thereto, means for variously altering the position of chemical mattei' in said container with relation to said draft-creating means, means to. regulate and control the volume of draft so created and means to rotate said perforated plate and to operate said draftcreating' ineans.

12. In a deviceof the character described,

in combination, 'a fuel fountain, a perforated u plate rotatable thereabout, a blower, a contaiiier for chemicals, adjacent thereto, airpassag'es leading into said container, means for variously limiting the flow of air therein, means for variously limiting. the size of the unctions of said passages with said container, means for variously altering the distancebetween said blower and chemicals iu said container and maintaining any such altered distance, and means to rotate said plate and said blower.

13. In adevice of the character described, in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated )late rotatable thereabout, a wing partially bordering each perforation in said plate, a blower, a shaft to rotate said plate and said blower, a drive wheel on said shaft,

a series of triangular pockets annularly disposed in said wheel, nozzles so inclined as to project air-streams into said pockets in a plane parallel With a side thereof, an air reservoir .to supply said nozzles, and means to maintain various desired pressures within said reservoir. l

la. In a device of the character described, in combination, a fuel fountain, a perforated plate rotatable thereabout, a wing pai'- tially l'. bordering each perforation in said plate, a blower, a shaft to rotate said plate and said blower, a drive wheel on said shaft, a series of triangular pockets annularly disposed in said wheel, a reservoir for compressed air, means to maintain therein various degrees of pressure, nozzles extendingl from said reservoir and directed toward said series of pockets, and a channel in each nozzle so formed as to project a stream of air of an ultimate width exactly equal to the width of said pockets,

15. A burner for liquid fuel furnace coniprising` a combustion chamber, having a rotatable perforated bottom, a fuel fountain within said chamber, a rotatable fan. beneath said bottom, a container for chemicals beneath said fan, mea-ns for maintaining various desired distances between said fan and the contents of saidf container, and means to rotate said bottom and said fan.

16. A burner for liquid fuel furnace comprising a combustion chamber having a rotatable perforated bottom, a 'fuel fountain within said chamber, means for forcing a draft through said perforations, means for charging said draft with a chemical substance, means for raising the temperature of said draft before so charging' it, and means foi' rotating; said perforated bottom at various maintained speeds. .I

17. A lmrnerjfor liquid fuel furnace comprising' a combustion chamber having a ro-l tatable perforated bottom, a fuel fountain in saidchamber, a rotatable fan beneath said bottom, a receptacle beneath said fan, means to maintain various desired distances between said fan and the contents of said receptacle, air channels leading to said receptacle,'means for regulating the flow of air therein, `means for lraisingl the temperaf ture of the air so flowingbefore it enters said receptacle and means torotate said fan and said bottom.

18. A burner for liquid fuel furnace comprising a combustion chamber having a rotatable perforated bottom, a fuel fountain in said chamber, a rotatable` fan beneath said bottom, a receptacle beneath said fan,

means to maintain various desired distances between said fan and the contents of said receptacle, air channels leading to said,1e ceptacle, means for regulating the flow of air therein, means for raising the temperan ture of the air so flowing before it enters isc v said reeep-uele, means for limiting; lie size elf said Channels :1t their junction with Suid leueptziele, u Shaft to rotate Suid bottom and ,said fun, :1 drive disk on Suid shaft, zi series of triangular peeliets unmllzu'ly disposed about said disk, nozzle` so inclined as to pinjeet ;iiI'-f\Lre:m1s into Suid pockets; 1n u plane parallel with a Si lei'l1e1e f, a channel m `eau-11 of saiid nozzles so meeleled as te Yform a slzeaun of an ultimate width exactly equal to the width of said pockets, :i compressed nir elizmiber with which smid' nozzleI mmmuniczite, and means lo maintain nur ons desired pressures; within Suid Chamber.

' FRANK 'TlflVENS. lltnesses :it signing:

ALBERT S. WAL J @11N P. CGNEYS. 

